Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
The flavorful journey of Italian pasta salad
What’s in this delightful bowl?
Must-have tools for perfect pasta salad prep🍽️
Crafting your Italian pasta salad masterpiece!👩🍳
Endless twists for your pasta salad delight!
Creative ways to serve your pasta salad
Sips to savor with your pasta salad
Keeping your pasta salad fresh and tasty
Avoid these common mistakes 🖐️
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Relish the final bite of flavor-packed pasta!🎉
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant mix of pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, and fresh basil, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Fill up a large pot with water, bringing it to a rolling boil on your stove. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Toss in the rotini pasta and let it cook according to the time suggested on the package for that perfect al dente texture. No one likes mushy pasta! -
Step 2: Cool the Pasta
Once your pasta has reached that ideal balance between firm and tender, drain it in a large colander. Immediately rinse the pasta under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. This ensures that the rotini remains perfect for your salad. Set the cooled pasta aside. -
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
Grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they come together in a smooth, harmonious blend. This dressing is going to tie everything together beautifully! -
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Salad Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, bring together your cooled rotini, along with the vibrant array of chopped salami, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp English cucumber, colorful bell peppers, sharp red onion, sliced black olives, and creamy mozzarella pearls. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some shredded parmesan cheese for that extra richness. Give it all a gentle toss to mix. -
Step 5: Mix in the Dressing
Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the pasta and salad mixture. Use a large spoon or your hands (clean, of course!) to combine everything thoroughly. Make sure all the pasta and veggies are well-coated in the dressing for that burst of flavor in every bite. -
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley across your colorful salad for a fresh, herby finish. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed. Serve this delightful Italian pasta salad cold, perhaps with a side of crusty bread, and enjoy the medley of flavors you’ve just created!
Notes
Crafting the perfect Italian pasta salad can be as delightful as sipping a fine wine on a sunny day, but there are a few slip-ups that can spoil the fun. One common blunder is overcooking the pasta; aim for that perfect al dente texture by following the package instructions and giving it a cold rinse to stop the cooking process.
Skipping the rinse results in a sticky, clumpy mess. And while the temptation to skimp on seasoning is real, don't hold back! A well-mixed dressing is the essence of flavor. Ensure your dressing is whisked to perfection for a cohesive blend that sings with every bite. Lastly, avoid tossing everything willy-nilly—mix gently to maintain texture and presentation. With these tips, your salad will be the talk of the table!
Keywords: Italian Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad Dish, Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, Italian-Style Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Cold Italian Pasta Salad
